Globally recognised as the iconic face of
the award-winning television drama, Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is
producing a super premium London Dry Gin inspired by botanicals from the
castle’s gardens. Tonight we welcome the Highclere team to discuss the
history of the brand while you try their delicious gin.

You
will be welcomed with a delicious gin cocktail before you sit down for
the tasting of the gin to be paired with a delicious selection of
charcuterie including venison bresaola. You will then be presented with a
gin cocktail to enjoy!

ABOUT HIGHCLERE

Distilled above an ancient underground water source, the Highclere
Castle Gin is produced in England’s oldest gin distillery Langley, in
one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800’s.

With a delicate balance of juniper lemon and orange peel and a touch of
lavender, the gin celebrates Highclere’s historic estate,
integrating acclaimed estate grown oats into the blend, adding a rich
and flavourful palate experience that boasts a long and memorable
finish.

The new bottle has been designed with the castle in mind, a tall square shape which is symbolic of the tower at Highclere. At the same time the deep purple glass recognises the family’s heritage whilst capturing the brand’s premium qualities.

The family’s archive recalls gin cocktails from the early 1900’s and
the “Highclere Style” is a classic gin and tonic which has been enjoyed
at the castle for many years, made with gin, tonic, an orange peel
finished with a rosemary sprig. Juniper has grown wild on the estate
since the Iron Age. The castle archivist recently discovered a
reference by the 1st Earl to planting Juniper on the estate, dating
to April, 1811 ”If you plant juniper in the fosse of Beacon Hill be
careful not to extend it over any marks of tents so as to efface any
vestige of antiquity I suspect too the clump should be fenced or the
young shoots will be cropped in winter ...”

Adam Von
Gootkin, chief executive of Highclere Castle Spirits commented “We are
delighted to be launching the Highclere Castle Gin which speaks so much
to the life at Highclere, the gardens, the land and the spirit.”

Lady Carnarvon commented “For years Highclere Castle has been renowned
for its entertaining and house parties with gin and cocktails featuring
through years. We therefore felt with the ever rising interest in
gin, the family’s heritage, and indeed the Carnarvon’s love of the
spirit, it was a natural step to make a gin with Highclere provenance.

ABOUT THE VENUE
Boisdale of Mayfair Restaurant, shellfish bar and cigar terrace is located in converted listed stables on North Row, off Park Lane and decorated in distinctive design of red and dark green walls, rich mahogany panelling, with an eclectic collection of classical and modern original artwork.